Vehicle barrier

ABSTRACT

A portable and scaleable barrier uses a unique combination of feet, interconnecting members and top portions to provide a vehicle barrier that is capable of, for example, lifting the vehicle of the ground and providing substantial undercarriage damage. The interconnecting nature of the barrier allows the barrier to be configured or adapted based on, for example, a particular environmental condition or application.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/401,034, filedAug. 6, 2002, entitled “The Bear Claw,” which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to barrier devices. In particular, thisinvention relates to a portable, modular, vehicle barrier.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Vehicle barriers come in a plurality of different sizes, shapesand materials. For example, the “Jersey Wall” is one of the most commonand widely used barrier devices. Typically Jersey Walls are made ofpreformed concrete and are moved with a forklift or dedicated JerseyWall mover.

[0006] An alternative type of barrier are those seen around militaryinstallations and heavily guarded facilities where a hydraulicallyoperated steal plate is embedded in the roadway. To block incomingtraffic, the steal plate is raised in a ramp-like configuration to aheight suitable for stopping traffic. These types of devices arepermanent in nature and are usually installed in a concrete road surfaceand have an associated control and power facility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] While existing systems tend to provide a certain level ofprotection, they are not always portable, scalability can be difficultto achieve and they tend to be more of a permanent type barrier.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed toward abarrier, such as a vehicle barrier. The barrier can be used in, forexample, high risk traffic stops, as a barrier around or partiallyaround a protected facility, as a barricade for forward stationed basis,or, for example, by a security team around compounds, facilities and/orhomes.

[0009] The exemplary barrier, due to its configuration, not onlyprovides incredible vehicle stopping power but also disables vehiclesthat breach the barrier by, for example, causing significant damage tothe undercarriage, motor components and tires.

[0010] Aspects of the present invention relate to a barrier. Inparticular, aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle barrier.

[0011] Aspects of the invention further relate to a modular vehiclebarrier that is disassembleable.

[0012] Aspects of the invention further relate to a vehicle barrierwhose components are scalable.

[0013] Furthermore, aspects of the present invention relate to a vehiclebarrier that engages with a surface to facilitate stopping of anoncoming vehicle.

[0014] Additional aspects of the invention also relate to a barrierdevice adapted to support additional security features such as, forexample, barbed wire, constantina wire, spikes, or the like.

[0015] These and other features and advantages of this invention aredescribed in, or apparent from, the following detailed description ofthe embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The embodiments of the invention will be described in detailed,with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a environmental view of an exemplary barrier accordingto this invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a plateaccording to this invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a plateaccording to this invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a plateaccording to this invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a side view of a plate according to this invention;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary interconnectedbarrier system according to this invention;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of abarrier system according to this invention;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a plate according tothis invention;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a plate according tothis invention; and;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a plate according tothis invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The exemplary systems of this invention will be described inrelation to a barrier. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention, the following description omits well-known structuresand devices that may be shown in a summarized form. For the purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. It should be howeverappreciated that the present invention may be practiced in a variety ofways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

[0028] For example, while the present invention will be described inrelation to a barrier having, in general, a hat-shaped structure, it isto be appreciated that the barrier can be combined with one or moreother barriers using an interlocking mechanism as discussed herein tofurther expand the protection afforded by the unit. Furthermore, itshould be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiment is illustratedas having substantially flat plates, other sizes, shapes andcombinations of shaped plates could also be used without affecting theoperability of the system. Additionally, while the panels are preferableconstructed of a steal, such as AR500 or Birnell steal, it should beappreciated that other types of steals, compositions, composites, andcombinations of materials can be used. For example, the plates could bea multi-layered material that could include carbon fiber, Kevlar® or thelike.

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the barrier 1. Thebarrier 1 comprises a plurality of plates 100 interconnected byinterconnecting member 5. As can be seen in FIG. 1, and in accordancewith this exemplary embodiment, the plates 100 have a witch-hat shapeddesign that, when combined with one or more other plates 100 provides aself-standing barrier 1.

[0030] Thus, in operation, when the barrier 1 is approached by a vehiclegenerally in direction “A” the barrier is capable of stopping orsubstantially reducing the speed of the oncoming vehicle by pivoting onthe corners opposite the side on which the vehicle engages the barrier.

[0031] While the exemplary barrier 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprisesnine plates 100 and two interconnecting members 5, it should beappreciated that any number of plates and interconnecting members can beused without effecting the operation of the invention. For example, tofacilitate portability, the barrier 1 could be provided as a kitcomprising four plates 100 and two interconnecting members 5.

[0032]FIG. 2 is a side view of a exemplary plate 100 according to thisinvention. In particular, the plate 100 comprises a top portion 10, feet20 and 30, sidewalls 40 and 50 and interconnecting members 5. Inaccordance with this exemplary embodiment, the plate 100 has anwitch-hat shaped configuration where the top portion 10 is substantiallyparallel to the base comprising the feet 20 and 30. Similarly, thesidewalls 40 and 50 are provided at an orientation that the distancethere between is greater where they intersect the feet than where theyintersect the top portion 10. While this configuration facilitatesuprighting of the plate 100 upon contact by a vehicle, it should beappreciated that the exact dimensions and configuration can be varied insize and shape and the feet adjusted without affecting the operation ofthe invention. For example, the size and shape of the feet 20 can bevaried based on the material the barrier is to be placed on.Specifically, and for example, in an asphalt type environment, it may beadvantageous to have the feet 20 and 30 in a pointed type configuration.Alternatively, in a sandy environment, it may be advantageous to havethe feet 20 and 30 in a flattened or partially-flattened configurationto aid in supporting the barrier 1 on top of the sand. Likewise, it maybe advantageous to have foot 20 in a pointed configuration and foot 30in flattened configuration or any other combination of feet structuresas appropriate for the given conditions.

[0033] In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the plate 100 isattached to adjacent plates via two interconnecting members 5 that are,for example, round and pipe-shaped that interconnect the plurality ofplates 100.

[0034]FIG. 3 is a side view of the second exemplary embodiment of aplate 200. The plate 200 comprises a rounded top portion 210, feet 200and 230, and interconnecting members 25. In this particular exemplaryembodiment, the interconnecting members 25 are bar-shaped and can be,for example, tubular or a solid member constructed out of any type ofmaterial. The rounded top portion 210 provides a less aggressive topportion that, while still maintaining the functionality of the barrier1, may be more appropriate around highly populated areas or areas wherea large number of personnel may be in close proximity to the barrier 1.

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates a third exemplary plate 300. The exemplaryplate 300 comprises a top spiked portion 310, feet 320 and 330, andinterconnecting members 35 and 45. In accordance with this exemplaryembodiment, the top portion 310 has two or more spike-shaped protrusionsthat provide a more aggressive barrier 1 and can, for example, provideadditional stopping power as the barrier is rotated onto the top portionupon contact by a vehicle. Furthermore, the exemplary plate 300 isinterconnected to adjacent plates by a bar 35 and/or T-shapedinterconnecting member 45. Additionally, the feet 320 and 330 areconfigured such that the plate 300 substantially has an invertedT-shaped configuration.

[0036] While the exemplary embodiments of the plates 100, 200 and 300 inFIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show various combinations of feet, interconnectingmembers and top portions, it should be appreciated that these variousfeatures can be swapped and interchanged in any combination asappropriate. Also, the top portions and feet can also be differentshapes such as semi-hexagonal, semi-octagonal, jagged, or the like.Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the interconnecting memberscan be in any number, size, shape or configuration, fixed or removable,provided they are capable of supporting a plurality of plates 100 in asubstantially upright configuration.

[0037] In addition, it should be appreciated that the plates 100, 200and 300 can be fitted with, for example, reflective tape to facilitatevisibility, painted in any color, provided with a facade to helpfacilitate, for example, blending into a particular environment, orprovided with supports to carry additional barrier devices that arecommonly seen around compounds, facilities and homes such as barbedwire, razor wire, electric fence, signs, a continuous orpseudo-continuous board above the top portion and substantially parallelto the uppermost interconnecting member, or the like.

[0038]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of theplate 100 in an overturned position after, for example, contact by avehicle. Thus, in operation, as a vehicle approaches from direction “A”as illustrated in FIG. 1, and comes into contact with the barrier 1, thebarrier 1 overturns with foot 30 acting as a fulcrum forcing foot 20into the undercarriage of the vehicle with the top portion 10 engagingthe ground surface 3 to facilitate stopping of the vehicle. Given thesymmetric nature of the plate 100, regardless of the direction ofimpact, the barrier 1 is capable providing the same type of stopping andundercarriage damaging characteristics. In addition to foot 20 causingundercarriage damage to the vehicle, the foot 20 is also capable oflifting the vehicle that struck the barrier 1 off the ground to furtherfacilitate stopping.

[0039]FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplaryconfiguration of a plurality of interconnected barriers 1. Inparticular, the barriers 1 are set up in a substantially parallel butoffset pattern and interconnected by fastener 25. Using this toe-to-toeconfiguration, the plurality of barriers can be established in astair-shaped pattern, a zig-zag pattern, or any other pattern asappropriate. For example, while in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6the two barriers 1 are connected by fastener 25, it should beappreciated that the barriers need not be interconnected by fastenersbut could also be placed end-to-end or substantially end-to-end asappropriate.

[0040] Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wheretwo barriers 1 are interconnected end-to-end with fasteners 75. Thefasteners 75, as with the fastener 25, can be any known or laterdeveloped fastener such as a nut and bolt, pin and cotter key, or anyother known or later developed fastener. Likewise, while the illustratedembodiments in FIGS. 6 and 7 show the particular orientations of thebarrier sections in relation to one another, it should be appreciatedthat the barriers can be arranged in any configuration andinterconnected in any matter as appropriate.

[0041]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of plate 100. In thisexemplary embodiment, the interconnecting members 5 pass through theplate 100 and the plate 100 is secured between two fasteners 15. Inaccordance with this exemplary embodiment, the fasteners 15 are keyshowever it should be appreciated that any type of fastener can be usedin conjunction with the barrier systems and plates discussed herein.Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 showsthe interconnecting members 5 being removable from and slideable throughthe plate 100, it should be appreciated that the interconnecting members5 could also be securely fastened to the plate 100 for example, bywelding, or the like. In addition, it should be appreciated that theinterconnecting members 5 could extend beyond an end plate and beadapted to beinterconnect with an adjoining barrier. For example, theinterconnecting members could have a male-female relationship whereadjoining interconnecting members of the barriers would slide togetherthereby providing a substantially uniform interconnecting member betweenthe plurality of barriers. In addition, it should be appreciated thatthe spacing between the plates 100 can be varied for example, by placinga plurality of holes 17 in the interconnecting member 5 as illustratedin FIG. 10. This could provide, for example, additional rigidity byallowing an increased number of plates in the barrier 1 which may beappropriate for a particular application.

[0042]FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a plate 100 inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of this invention. Inparticular, in this embodiment, the interconnecting member 5 comprises athreaded male portion 21 and a threaded female portion 23. Theinterconnecting member 5 has a greater diameter than the threaded maleportion 21 and the threaded female portion 23 thereby securing the plate100 there between.

[0043] It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, inaccordance with the present invention, a barrier system. While thisinvention has been described in conjunction with a number ofembodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications,variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in theapplicable arts. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that arewithin the spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A vehicle barrier comprising: a plurality of inverted T-shaped plateshaving a top portion and at least two feet; at least one interconnectingmember adapted to interconnect the plurality of inverted T-shapedplates, wherein the inverted T-shaped plates are configured to engage aground surface to at least partially immobilize a vehicle.
 2. Thebarrier of claim 1, wherein the top portion of at least one of theinverted T-shaped plates and a first of the at least two feet of atleast one of the inverted T-shaped plates cooperate to at leastpartially immobilize a vehicle.
 3. The barrier of claim 1, wherein thetop portion is at least one of rounded, spiked, forked and squared off.4. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the interconnecting member is atleast one of tubular, T-shaped and a bar.
 5. The barrier of claim 1,wherein the at least two feet are any combination of spiked, flat,rounded and forked.
 6. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the barrier isadapted to be detachably interconnected with one or more additionalbarriers.
 7. The barrier of claim 1, further comprising a securingmechanism adapted to secure at least one of barbed wire, razor wire,Constantine wire and concertina wire.
 8. The barrier of claim 1, furthercomprising a securing mechanism adapted to secure at least one of apedestrian barrier and a sign.
 9. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the atleast one interconnecting member is adapted to secure the plurality ofinverted T-shaped plates a predetermined separating distance.
 10. Thebarrier of claim 9, wherein the plurality of inverted interconnectedT-shaped plates form a wall-shaped structure.
 11. The barrier of claim1, wherein the barrier is adapted to be a vehicle barrier.
 12. A vehiclebarrier comprising: a plurality of inverted hat-shaped plates having abase and a top portion; and at least two interconnecting membersmaintaining the plurality of inverted hat-shaped plates at apredetermined distance apart.
 13. The vehicle barrier of claim 12,wherein the vehicle barrier is capable of being interconnected toadditional vehicle barriers in at least one of a step-type configurationor a wall-type configuration.
 14. The vehicle barrier of claim 12,wherein a portion of the base cooperates with the top portion to engagea ground surface to stop a vehicle.
 15. The vehicle barrier of claim 14,wherein a second portion of the base is adapted to engage the undersideof a vehicle.
 16. The vehicle barrier of claim 12, wherein the portionof the base acts as a fulcrum to lift the vehicle upon the vehiclebarrier being struck by a vehicle.
 17. The vehicle barrier of claim 12,wherein the vehicle barrier is disassemblable.
 18. The vehicle barrierof claim 12, wherein the vehicle barrier is assemblable.
 19. The vehiclebarrier of claim 12, wherein the plurality of inverted hat-shaped platesare made of steel.
 20. A perimeter wall comprising: at least twoinverted T-shaped members, each inverted T-shaped member connected to anadjacent inverted T-shaped member by at least two interconnectingmembers.